Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has issued a firm reminder to newly inaugurated board members of key state transport agencies to respect governance boundaries and refrain from interfering in the day-to-day management of their institutions.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony for the reconstituted boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), and Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Nikpe stressed that while boards provide strategic oversight, operational control remains the preserve of management.
“You are to provide direction, not run the day-to-day affairs of these institutions,” he cautioned, underscoring the need for collaborative leadership grounded in principles of good governance.
The Minister’s comments reflect growing concerns over governance lapses in some public institutions where board interference has led to inefficiencies and conflict with management. Nikpe reminded members that all boards operate under the Ministry’s supervision and must not bypass it in dealings with higher authorities.
Strategic Priorities and Expectations
Outlining the government’s expectations, Mr. Nikpe tasked the GPHA board with working to reduce the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports and pursue private sector partnerships to accelerate development of the Keta Port. The vision is to make Keta a complementary hub for petroleum products, contributing to broader maritime trade ambitions.
The MMT board, he said, would be central to the rollout of a new welfare transport initiative for Ghanaians aged 60 and above—a flagship social intervention targeting senior citizens.
For the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Minister charged the new board with deepening safety and security measures in Ghana’s increasingly busy maritime space. He emphasized the need for operational efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to encourage 24-hour operations and unlock economic growth across related sectors.
“An efficient and robust maritime sector… can positively impact other sectors of the Ghanaian economy,” he noted.
Commitment from Board Chairs
In their responses, the new board chairs expressed readiness to align with the Ministry’s vision while pledging to uphold legal and ethical standards.
GPHA Board Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia promised to harness the wide-ranging expertise of board members to improve port management and contribute to national revenue.
Newly constituted boards also include familiar names like Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, and Mr. Kojo Adu-Asare, reflecting a blend of academic, military, and political experience.
Chairpersons of GMA and MMT—Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah and Okogyeman Kweku Gyamprah III respectively—pledged to operate within the law and prioritise national development objectives.
Ministry Pledges Support
Minister Nikpe concluded by assuring the boards of his Ministry’s full backing, but reminded them of the ultimate goal: delivering real results for the Ghanaian people through competent management, strategic oversight, and policy alignment.
“My office remains open to constructive feedback as we work together to drive government’s transformation agenda,” he said.
